§ 34. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Health whether he has received any recent notification of shortage of water in rural districts; and what action he is taking?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend has not received any recent notification of serious shortage except in a few rural areas. In all cases brought to his notice an engineering inspector visits the locality with a view to expediting the preparation and carrying out of a permanent scheme. In rural areas generally good progress is being made, and so far grant has been provisionally allocated in respect of schemes for 1,360 parishes of a total estimated capital cost of £3,900,000.
§ Mr. LEVYIs my hon. Friend aware that there are a large number of rural areas that are still buying water for industrial purposes by the bucket, and is he satisfied that the mere sending of an inspector will solve the rural water problem?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIf any rural area is buying water by the bucket, it is purely its own fault. It should apply to the Ministry of Health for a grant from the money allocated for this purpose.
§ Sir JOSEPH LAMBIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if they do get a grant, the rural councils will not help them?